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23 March 2016

Purple Day - Raising Epilepsy Awareness

Saturday is Purple Day - it is a celebration aimed at raising worldwide awareness of epilepsy, a condition that affects over 65 million people globally. However, did you know that dogs can be afflicted with this ailment as well? Up to six percent of the canine population suffers from a form of epilepsy. In fact, epilepsy is the most diagnosed canine neurological disease. This is only a rough estimate since many cases of canine epilepsy remain undiscovered by the respective dog parents as dogs often experience their fits when they are inactive, late at night or during the early morning hours. So, throw on a purple shirt and let's raise epilepsy awareness for all sufferers, human and canine alike!

What are the odds that a newly-wed couple would adopt two unrelated dogs, and both develop epilepsy? In case you are wondering, based on some rough calculations the odds were three in 1000. They never intended to adopt two handicapped furry children, yet somehow they ended up with two dogs that out of nowhere began to convulse one day. First recognized in ancient times, Hippocrates referred to epilepsy as the “sacred” disease. However, nothing about it seems sacred! Watching a beloved companion suffer a seizure can be an extremely traumatic event. Learning to live with an animal with complex health issues is never easy; learning to live with two dogs with severe epilepsy can be an overwhelming task.

Epilepsy manifests in frightening ways, causing a dog to experience sudden, uncontrolled convulsions. Living with a dog that has epilepsy can be a daunting prospect, but with some help from a vet and much planning, epileptic dogs can live a relatively normal life. Common sense combined with medicine can make canine epilepsy manageable. If you are new to dealing with a pet with epilepsy, take a step back and don’t forget to breathe. While no one can promise that everything will be fine, the author can tell you from personal experience that sticking with your pet(s) and getting them on a proper medication regimen can lead to many hours of happiness and beautiful memories.

Living with Canine Epilepsy is not a diagnostic tool or a replacement for proper veterinary care, but conveys the live experiences of the author. It expresses the personal views, opinions and beliefs of the author. A pet’s health care is an individual matter, and pet owners should consult a veterinary professional for guidance. Living with Canine Epilepsy - Find it on a bookshelf near you!

Piper is the author of military lifestyle books and RV travel journals. When she isn't busy typing away on her computer, she can be found chasing after her furry children or holding on tightly to a good cup of coffee. Follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook, Goodreads and Google+.

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About Me

A. Piper Burgi is the author of several non-fiction books, and she recently added three historical fiction novels to her ever-expanding collection of published writings, IN THE SHADOW OF HER MAJESTY, THE COUNTRY GIRL EMPRESS, and A LIFE IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROWN. She is also a history lover, an Air Force Veteran, and a military spouse; plus a busy doggie mommy, a cook, an event coordinator, a chauffeur...you get the picture. When she is not busy chasing after her three "furry children", or holding on tightly to a good cup of coffee, she can be found typing away on her computer.

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Epilepsy was first recognized in ancient times and referred to by Hippocrates as the "sacred" disease. But nothing about it seems sacred! Watching your beloved companion suffer a seizure can be an extremely traumatic event...click image to read more